CHAPTER 367 – DISTILLING VALUE

Who to resurrect? It was a question that Tom knew could blow up. People would have different ideas on the criteria, friendship would get in the way of how powers were valued.

“Why’s that even a question?” Everlyn demanded. “It has to be Tom. He’s the only reason we’re alive. We owe him.”

Clare’s response was to point mutely at the board. “Because it’s a choice we have to make. And while we owe Tom our lives, he is not alone on that pedestal. Rahmat was also critical. Without him, we would have failed. Plus, history doesn’t matter. Our focus needs to be on the future.”

“Fuck that. We owe him.”

“No Everlyn, we don’t, and Tom wouldn’t want us thinking that way. We should only consider future contributions and Rahmat with his spear domain is arguable as important to our upcoming survival as Tom.”

“That’s bullshit. You never liked him and you’re trying to sabotage him now that he’s not here to defend himself.”

“I’m not…”

Everlyn leapt to her feet and got right into Clare’s face. “Our next mission is to wage war on sapients. How can you even suggest that True Dreaming is not the most critical ability. A spear domain means nothing if a hundred rank sixty natives ambush us.”

Selena had shifted at the same time as Everlyn to intercept her. “Easy there. We’re all on the same team.” She placed a hand firmly on the scout’s shoulder. “I probably support our selection being Tom too, at least when I put emotions aside. But let’s not pretend this is a straightforward decision. He has been priced at over six times the cost of most people.”

“That’s because he’s that much better than them.”

“Maybe,” Selena agreed diplomatically. “But those prices are probably based on current value. We need to look beyond that and factor in future growth. If everyone got a single price, this would be easier. Tom would be the first selected. Guaranteed.”

“But they aren’t,” Clare said. “I’ll be honest. I don’t want to make this choice. It feels a bit like playing god.”

“I’m happy to make it.”

“No.” Clare said firmly. “You won’t Everlyn. This decision is too important for it to be decided on emotion.”

“No, I’m being logical. True Dreaming and his Oracle questions make this an obvious choice.”

“Everlyn this will be determined by the group. Not by one person. We just need to talk through the options, and we’ll arrive at the right outcome.” She went straight up to the list of everyone who could be resurrected. Without hesitation, she crossed off both Phil and Jenny. Then glanced up. There were no objections to that choice. “Good. We all agree we’re not bringing them back.”

Clare frowned as she looked at the list.

It was still too long.

She met Selena’s eyes and then crossed off the names of Jenny’s allies.

Jane exhaled sharply and Clare ignored her.

“Selena, do you have a problem with this?”

The previous leader of the three removed names blinked. A slight O was formed by her lips before it vanished. She went to talk and then stopped herself as she struggled visibly to control the emotions. She shut her eyes, swallowed heavily and when she opened them, her eyes were determined. “They are good people. They just made a single mistake.”

“Yes, they did.” Clare said coldly. “An error that almost cost us everything. Without the giant’s intervention Tom and who knows how many others of us would have died.”

“They just followed the wrong person.”

“Selena, they showed poor judgement. That’s why I’ve crossed them off.”

“But you’re killing them for it.” Her hands were fluttering rapidly. “It was one error, and they did their job in the dragon fight. They knew they were probably going to their death, but went, anyway. To ignore that… It’s not fair… It’s.”

“Selena breath. We’re not murdering them. We’re just ranking them below others in getting an opportunity.”

“All they did was be loyal to the wrong person.” The volume Selena was talking at was rising. “It’s not enough to condemn them.”

“Selena!” Clare yelled. “If you think they should remain in consideration. Make your case. Were any of them exceptional? Do they have any reason for us to ignore what they did? Did they have irreplaceable traits? Any extraordinary aspects that elevated them beyond anyone else on this list?”

Selena studied the names. “Well, Daisy had a trait to charm animals and understand them to a certain extent. The insights she could get were impressive. Once she found a treasure room.”

“Selena.” Clare interrupted. “Is that really enough to elevate her over others on the list?”

Her face was anguished. “No, I guess it’s not.”

Selena had conceded so she then turned to Puma, Bao, and Gerald. “The four who died before we met. They didn’t help against the dragon is there any reason they should remain on this list?”

“They are good people,” Puma said immediately.

Clare almost rolled her eyes, but restrained herself at the last moment. “Most of us are. But…” she pointed at Selena. “I’ve already had this conversation. You knew what I meant. Do they have anything special that needs to be considered.”

“Yes…” Gerald answered.

“And that is?” she asked with slight annoyance after he failed to elaborate on the objection.

“They don’t,” Puma admitted after shooting an annoyed look at Gerald. “I long to extol their virtues, but… They were passionate, skilled fighters but… I can’t argue here. The answer is no. They lack a point of difference.”

“Puma!” Bao objected.

The scout turned to her. “What do you want me to say. They were my friends too… but we get six people resurrected at most… six! That’s it. If the allowance was ten.” His hands balled into fists. “This is another hard choice. That’s all there is to it. None of us are strangers to those and as I see it there’s only one answer.”

The two of them glared at each other for different reasons. Bao because she wanted to save more of those she knew and Puma because her passion made him feel like a shit person.

“Bao, all six slots aren’t getting given to us, and I can’t see how any of those four are more worthy than Vidja.”

She had no response.

Puma wiped his eyes. “There are at most six resurrections. We have to make concessions.”

“I’ve heard enough,” Clare declared. “I’m removing them from consideration. Not because they’re not worthy, but because we lack the reward points, and they didn’t help kill the dragon.”

The names vanished from the list.

“I’m sorry that I had to do that. But you know it was necessary.”

The group studied the reduced list.

Total Points available - 15

Tom – 14

Rahmat – 7

Michael – 5

Toni -3

Vidja -3

Usko -2

Soetanto -2

Raechell -2

Barry -2

On the second board, the names to include on the bottom list were obvious. All six of the low priced humans were written into the bubble. That meant the only question was around who else to include in the Rahmat and Michael option.

Clare realised the same and tapped it. “Before we decide between quality and quantity, we need to debate the composition of this group.” She frowned as her eyes flickered down and up the list. “For example, is Michael really worth more than Vidja and Soetano.”

Silence deadened.

Out of everyone brought together in the trial, Michael was the most well liked across the different teams. He had been the one to open up communications between the hostile forces and gone out of his way to bring the various groups together.

“That’s a terrible suggestion.” Tom hissed. “There are intangibles that need to be considered.”

“I have to admit I agree with her.” Michael said quietly beside him. “Logically it makes sense. I’m a healer and Soetanto is almost as good.”

“But she’s not.”

“No, she isn’t as good, but she’s close. But Vidja is better at fighting and almost matches me in leadership. Together, they sure seem like a superior package.”

“You have other skills.”

Michael only smiled at him. “Tom, let it go. They have other skills beyond what you know as well. Soetanto has two traits to speed up healings. If your head loses your body.”

“Is that a roundabout way of saying decapitation? If that happens, it means you’re dead.”

“That’s debatable with our new levels. But if it occurs, then believe me, when I say that you want her healing you, not me. Vidja also has both skills and traits that let her buff fighters under her command. Trust me on this the two of them combined are better than me.”

“No, your leadership has kept us together. None of us would be alive without your work.”

Michael shrugged unconcerned. “Yeah, it stings a little not to be continuing on your quest. But you know the analysis is right. Not for the past but for the future, and unfortunately, that’s all that matters.”

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The discussion below was progressing along similar lines. The initial hot defence of Michael faded away and his name vanished from the board.

“At least my fight is not finished.” The healer said quietly. “I’m going to get another chance to make a difference.”

“With that settled,” Clare said loudly below them. “I’m proposing that the second grouping consists of Rahmat, Toni, Soetantio and Vidja.”

“No,” Gerald objected. “I was in that team. Usko’s better than both of them. Right Puma? Bao? You both agree don’t you?”

Bao shook her head in denial. “No… I’m not part of this. I refuse to be. I’ve given up my reward points. They’re all yours now. I don’t need to be involved. I don’t want to be.”

Thor hugged her and Gerald turned his imploring eyes to the other living member of his former team.

“Better?” Puma asked quietly. “I’m not so sure about that, as they serve different roles. Better for team cohesion? Yes, he definitely wins there.”

Clare studied the board and then her eyes checked on everyone to confirm if anyone wanted to dispute what Puma had stated. No one else knew the three people in question sufficiently well to argue either way. “I accept that argument and to be honest, at the high level we’ve reached, dedicated healers aren’t that important.”

Michael shook his head. “I think she’s got that wrong. My classes were getting me close to being able to resurrect people. Soetantio might already have got there.”

Below them, Clare rubbed out the healer’s name and replaced it with Usko. “Are we happy with these groups?” As she asked, she was focusing on the board and next to each of the bubbles the pros and cons of the different options appeared.

Tom read his own and smiled sadly.

* True Dreaming.

* Oracle Questions.

* Is the Best Tank when the team’s going against a horde of similar or slightly higher ranked monsters.

There was also an asterisk against the first two, which read. ‘Provides unparalleled scouting and strategic intelligence against sapient opponents that cannot be covered by anyone else.’

Rahmat’s group was similarly brief.

* Spear domain.

* Significant offensive potential.

*

* Four humans’ worth of future potential.

The last group’s note was even shorter.

*

* Six humans’ worth of future potential.

They studied the analysis.

“We’re not taking the third group.” Clare declared after a moment. It disappeared.

“Who put you in charge?” Selena challenged angrily.

The reason was obvious. The decision had removed any chance of anyone from her squad being resurrected.

Clare glanced at her sympathetically. “Am I wrong to do that?”

“Maybe… no… probably no. I’m not questioning your leadership… But why have you taken charge? You’re not even a squad leader.”

“It was an oracle question. If Michael and Tom aren’t around, then it made it clear that I have to be in command.” She waited a moment for Selena to process that information. “I get your concern. If there’s wider support, I can bring them back in. But remember, we’re trying to achieve the best result for humanity and I think knocking that option out is a no brainer. We’re basically weighing Rahmat against Soetanto, Raechell and Barry. It’s three against one for sure, but on current levels of contribution the spear domain wins easily. I don’t know your people, but since Rahmat got his domain, he was worth at least five of the rest of us in a fight. The only argument for them is future potential and the fact that Rahmat earnt that spear domain for himself instead of buying it means a lot.”

Selena opened her mouth to argue and then stopped herself. “Three for one seems a bit harsh.”

“This is a merit-based assessment.” Clare said gently. “If Maher hadn’t already used the escape key to survive, he would likely have been included above Vidja and Usko because he possesses a trait that gives him a point of difference we need. Forget the synergy with Harry, just those artefacts he can make from channelling hours of mana into things would have been enough for me. Those things have a massive amount of strategic value.”

“I know… but…”

“We all know.” She smiled at the other women. “None of us want to make this choice, but we need to. This is not something any of us can avoid.” She glanced pointedly at Bao as said that. “Let’s do a quick vote. Who supports Rahmat’s group being resurrected?”

Six hands were raised.

“That’s not what I expected.” Clare said quietly, sounding perplexed at the outcome.

“It’s four versus one.” Thor told her. “I like Tom and he’s got great abilities… But… How much potential do four people provide versus one.”

“It’s a good argument,” she conceded. “Keikain or Selena do you want to make a case for why you’re picking Tom?”

“I can.”

“We know you can Everlyn,” Clare answered her tiredly. “However, you’re too close to this.”

“I’m voting for Tom primarily because of True Dreaming,” Keikain summarised succinctly. “Our focus needs to be on killing the trolls and that skill is the most likely to help us do that.”

Selena nodded. “My thoughts are similar.”

“And on the other side?”

“More people,” Gerald said immediately.

“Not you.” Clare snapped. “You’re as impartial as Everlyn. Anyone else want to make the case. Thor?”

He raised his hands defensively. “No, I’m neutral. I can see benefits to both sides.” He glanced at Bao, and it was clear he had aligned his vote with hers.

“I didn’t like him.” Jane declared.

“Were any of you voting on something other than personality.” She asked annoyed.

“I liked Tom,” Puma volunteered. “And I can see the value in those two skills. The tanking is neither here nor there, especially since we have so many scouts. I’ve discounted it completely. My vote basically boils down to me not seeing him being worth four lives. For the next year, sure, Tom’s probably better, but if everyone survives, you can’t tell me Tom by himself will get more ranking points than four other people.”

“Well, he’s outperformed them so far has so far.” Everlyn interrupted.

Puma ignored her. “And in combat, I would argue that Rahmat’s spear domain is superior to just being able to survive with lots of monsters attacking you at once. If they’re all dead, then there’s no need to defend. Going for the group seems like the safer option to me.”

“My thoughts are the same,” Meiji agreed. “But I get Keikain’s points as well. To defeat the trolls even if there’s just one of him, the intelligence he gathers makes him far more valuable. Increasing our fighting strength by thirty percent means nothing if we’re ambushed by an army.”

“Clare, what’s your view?” Keikain asked abruptly.

She frowned. “I kind of wanted to stay out of this so my views wouldn’t influence others. But I’m leaning toward Tom because from a leader’s perspective he gives me extra flexibility.”

“Make the call then.”

“No, Keikain I’m not doing that. This needs to be a democratic vote. I want unity because in case you haven’t noticed we’ve been given the chance to leave out of any of the four exit points. I don’t want people pissed off and choosing to go anywhere but the trolls. That’s the best result for humanity and I’m not going to flex my muscles here and put that at risk. Plus, I’m kind of neutral. Four versus one is a big argument for me especially when we look long term.”

“How do you think that they’ll end up voting?” Tom asked Michael.

The older man shrugged. “It’s hard to say. With their current information, I would say it’s probably you. However, if they find out you have a reincarnation option, then that chance drops to fifty fifty.”

“So, there’s a chance I’ll be reincarnated. Maybe in the next life we’ll be brothers.”

Michael laughed. “At the very least, that would make things interesting. You probably won’t be joining me, but I’m definitely going to be reincarnated. How about you Rahmat?”

Tom glanced in the direction that the healer had shouted and was surprised when the spear warrior appeared out of nothing. He was sitting next to Toni. It was possible that he had been there the entire time, but something about their current state had made it difficult for him to register the other person.

He was not sure how Michael had noticed him, but he guessed the healer had always been more perceptive in social situations.

“Michael,” Rahmat turned to face him. “I didn’t see you there. I’m very sorry about their choice.”

Michael waved the apology aside. “It’s not a problem. I’m getting another chance to make a difference. Where you offered the option of reincarnating with your memories?”

“Yes. But I’m not taking it.”

“And I wasn’t offered,” Toni volunteered from next to him.

“Why wouldn’t you accept?”

The spear man shook his head. “Because I’m not like you and Tom. I couldn’t bear to reset and be helpless again. I couldn’t do it.”

“And Toni you didn’t get any offer?”

“Maybe just the stronger people received it.”

“I wonder if Phil got the same treatment…” the healer mused. He was craning his neck to try to find the other man, but obviously failed to locate him.

Privately, Tom was impressed because when he searched, he could see the shadows of only three more people, and they had no distinguishing details. They could be anyone and three wasn’t enough, anyway. He was sure there was more than that here.

“Not if he was a serial killer like Gerald thought,” Toni answered. “But if those accusations were false and everything he did was a sacrifice for humanity then, maybe.”

Michael sighed. “It doesn’t matter, anyway. He’s not here and I trust DEUS to do the right thing.”

“I don’t,” Tom said and cursed Social Silence for not activating and then realised that in his dead state it was probably not active.

“Where did that come from? And that’s a dangerous statement.”

“I mean there are other GODs who have an equal say in these things. I have confidence in her, but not the system.”

“It’s beyond my pay grade, so I’m just going to assume the best.”

You have no idea, Tom thought. Just the memory of what the GODs had done caused his blood to boil. To screw them like that after all that hard work. It demanded a violent response. He might lack the strength, but he swore he would not stand aside and allow injustice to occur unchallenged. Whether resurrected or reincarnated he was going to fight them to the bitter end. He would have his revenge, he promised himself.

Michael pointed below them. The debate was in full swing with Clare attempting to build a consensus and failing dismally. “It’s funny watching them squabbling. They’re like kids. They don’t look like they’ll ever agree do they.”

Tom grunted affirmative and then kept chatting.

“This reincarnation stuff, any thoughts?” Michael asked suddenly.

“It’s a massive opportunity.” Tom answered him immediately. “If stealing the troll’s racial trait wasn’t so important I’d want to do it.”

Below him he noticed that the consensus had swung toward him with only Puma and Gerald remaining as the hold outs arguing that it would be better to resurrect more people.

“Unlike you, apparently, I’m going to be doing it. So how do I go about exploiting things Tom style?”

“I wish I knew. I have no idea what being a kid in this place looks like. As a child, do I have access to fate? Magic? How about the system shop?”

“I think we assume all of them. But my assumption is that we’ll start with low single digit attributes and presumably a paucity of experience…” he chuckled. “Unless our parents are completely crazy and are feeding us monster kills.” Michael then visibly winced and covered his eyes. “Oh lord, I’ll have parents… how’s that going to work?”

Tom laughed. “I’m glad that’s not destined to be my problem.”

“It still might. Gerald is really persuasive.”

The man in question was currently almost yelling at everyone that four people were better than one while Selena was clinically explaining that Tom could beat four in a fight and bought more destiny shaping skills to the coming war.

“He really isn’t.”

Michael slapped him on the back. “No, he’s not. He’s really terrible at influencing people. Worse than even you. Which means you probably won’t need to experience the joy of new parents. And I truly hope I don’t end up as a baby. That would be disturbing. Putting that unpleasant image aside, how do we maximise this opportunity?”

“Titles.” Tom answered after only a moment’s consideration. “You remember when we discussed them don’t you.”

“Yes. I know the unlock conditions for a few dozen.”

“Well, you want to focus on getting them. And then there’s fate.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk about. How did you get your domain?”

Tom chuckled. “Your parents are going to be shocked when you start changing your own diapers with telekinesis.”

“My lord Tom why would you give me that image?”

He only smiled at the older man’s discomfort. “The key is fate gives you the ability to do the improbable. For example, if you don’t have healing yet. You scratch yourself and try to use your magic to mend the wound. In the tutorial and this life, the spell framework has guided the power rather than you directing it personally. But even though all your magic has always been of the assisted variety, I’m sure you have a good feel for both how the energy flowed and what it was doing in a physical sense. Your experience as an earth doctor would help that. You basically want to recreate a healing spell with unstructured magic. In normal conditions, it might take you a hundred or a thousand attempts to get it to work, but if you use all your fate on it, then it’s one attempt. Bang! And once you’ve done it almost perfectly on the first try. After that, you get the spell. Then you move on to the next thing and repeat.”

“An accelerator…”

“Yes, but it’s more than that. Once you build your fate, the things you apply it to can become more and more improbable. Grab skills that you have no experience with because fate can fill in the missing knowledge. What’s the chance of someone playing with a sword getting the skill without formal training?”

Michael failed to respond.

“Well, what is it?” Tom pressed.

“Not zero,” Michael said after some thought. “For the skill to be awarded I imagine you have to have completed multiple specific movements close to perfectly. Over fifteen years, you’ll probably manage that by chance.”

“Exactly, and that’s your answer. Plan a build. Check the skills you want and then practice them… with fate’s help every one of them should take a month to gain instead of ten years.”

“By the time I’m looking for a class I’ll have dozens of abilities and titles. That’ll open up so many options.”

“Correct.” Tom nodded. “I almost wish I could give it a go.”

Michael suddenly froze next to him. His body going rigid like an electric shock had gone through him. “Oh, shit.”

“What?” he demanded.

“There’s a text box saying I’ve been removed from consideration for resurrection so I can address them and help them break the stalemate.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, the message just popped up.” The healer looked confused. “Rahmat?”

The spearman glanced his way. “I haven’t received that option.”

“No. I mean is there anything you want me to convey?”

Rahmat shook his head.

“Tom? How about you? Are you withdrawing?”

“I have no more to add. I think the outcomes are sort of balanced.”

The healer nodded, and then quietly walked over to the others gathered. Including to Jenny. Tom couldn’t hear what was said, but he was clearly confirming whether anyone wanted to leave personal messages. Somehow, the healer found five people that Tom had been unable to spot.

Then he vanished and appeared next to Clare.